The reality is, in today’s digital age, screen time has become a more natural part of children’s daily routines. As parents and caregivers, we must understand the negative impact that too much screen time can have on a child’s development.
To avoid this, we must first explore the effects of screen time on various aspects of child development.
What does screen time refer to?
Screen time includes any time spent in front of electronic devices such as TVs, computers, tablets, and smartphones. This can refer to activities such as watching videos, playing games, and even using educational apps.
Does screen time affect children?
Various research studies show that excessive screen time can have a pretty big affect on children’s development. One study conducted by researchers at the University of Calgary found that children who engage in two or more hours of screen time per day may experience negative impacts on their vocabulary acquisition – many other studies have found various other effects. This highlights the importance of monitoring and limiting screen time to ensure healthy development.
Effects of screen time on child development.
In an era dominated by digital devices, the effects of screen time on child development have become a subject of concern among parents, educators, and healthcare professionals. From cognitive and language skills to social-emotional well-being, understanding how screen time impacts a child’s growth is vital for fostering healthy habits and better developmental outcomes.
Screen time and cognitive and language development.
Excessive screen time can slow cognitive and language development in young children. Firstly, it reduces how much time children spend interacting with adults and peers, which is crucial for language learning.
Additionally, a study has found that children who spend more time in front of screens have lower levels of expressive language skills compared to those who spend less time on screens. This shows the importance of making sure children participate in activities that foster language development – and don’t involve screens – such as reading books and engaging in conversation.
Screens lessen interaction with adults and peers.
Children who spend too much time in front of screens may have fewer opportunities to interact with adults and peers, which can affect their language learning abilities.
With the rise of handheld technology in particular, there has been an increasing trend of parents bringing screens along to gatherings where their children are present – such as restaurants – and using these screens as a child care tool rather than a supplement to their day.
This not only lessens how much your child interacts with you and other adults, it also limits how much they are able to observe and learn about the world around them.
Background screen time can also be harmful.
In addition to direct screen time, background screen time can also have negative effects on language development. Things like having the TV on in the background can distract children and interfere with their ability to focus on language learning activities.
Children can also be exposed to inappropriate content or language, which can impede their language development. It is recommended that background noise be limited to audio or video only, or the content of the background screen be limited to child-friendly shows and media.
Appropriate screen time for cognitive development.
It’s important to note that not all screen time is bad for children’s language development. Watching educational shows that are made for children, especially when the child is supervised, can provide valuable learning opportunities.
Shows and movies with interactive elements and lessons can actually help language acquisition. As a parent, we’re sure you can name several shows that specifically teach letters, numbers, and vocabulary in an engaging and interactive manner.
Screen time and social-emotional development.
Too much screen time can also affect children’s social-emotional development. Exposure to television during infancy has been linked to higher levels of aggression and emotional reactivity in later years.
Screen time can cause increased aggression.
Research suggests that increased TV and video game exposure between 6 and 18 months of age can lead to higher levels of aggression, particularly in young boys. This also shows that different types of screen activities may have varying effects on children based on their gender.
Increased emotional reactivity as a result of screen time.
Things like having a television in a child’s bedroom have been associated with higher emotional reactivity, which can stay even into later childhood. Having a TV in the bedroom at a young age not only gives children access to television whenever they choose to have it, but can also create a reliance on technology from a young age.
Children can exhibit more severe depressive symptoms.
Exposing children to video games and other screen-based activities can also contribute to more severe depressive symptoms, which may persist into adolescence.
Though young children and infants aren’t able to play traditional video games, it’s important to understand the general effects as a parent or caregiver. Children who spent more time playing video games at age 8 had higher levels of depressive symptoms at age 10.
How childcare providers like Childcare Network limit screen time.
Childcare Network recognizes the importance of limiting screen time and promoting healthy child development. That’s why our programs emphasize hands-on, interactive activities that promote creativity and critical thinking without relying on electronic devices, among other things.
Engaging children in activities that don’t involve screens.
One way we limit screen time is by engaging children in activities that don’t involve screens. This includes outdoor play, arts and crafts, storytelling, and pretend play. This not only promotes physical activity and creativity but also encourages social interaction and communication skills.
Helping children build tools with adults and peers.
Another strategy at Childcare Network is helping children build bonds with adults and peers. We encourage positive social interactions through group activities, cooperative games, and group discussions. By creating a sense of belonging and community, we support children in developing important social-emotional skills such as empathy, cooperation, and conflict resolution.
Promoting social-emotional and cognitive development.
Our curriculum is designed to support children’s growth across all areas of development, including language, literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies – we call this STEAM curriculum. We incorporate hands-on activities, sensory experiences, and open-ended materials to engage children in meaningful learning experiences.
Join us in nurturing your child’s growth and development at a Childcare Network location near you. Schedule a tour today to see our center and learn more about our programs. Together, we can help your child thrive in a screen-free environment that promotes healthy development and lifelong learning.
